Services to Parishes

The Office for Social Ministry offers statewide training opportunities and financial aid in the form of grants to parish outreach programs in every Catholic parish in Hawaii. Our custom-tailored presentations are designed with flexible formats for parish councils, social ministry committees, small Christian communities, catechists, and adult faith formation programs. We also offer leadership workshops to directors of religious education, priests, deacons and religious organizations.  The presentations can be parish-based or a convening of several parishes.

Trainings Opportunities include…

  • The foundations of Catholic social teaching and parish social ministry.
    An introduction to the church’s social teachings and how they frame parish social ministry, this presentation uses the US Bishops framework for social ministry “Communities of Salt and Light”.
  • Building your parish social ministry
    Already have a committee and looking to build upon your good works? We provide training in how to move your ministry along and include the four dimensions of social ministry: advocacy, empowerment, education, and service.
  • Strategic planning workshop
    Leaders of the parish and those involved in social ministry work together.  They complete a detailed parish social ministry evaluation.  Results of the evaluation reveal the strengths and weaknesses of different points of social ministry (education, integration, content).  Participants put together a vision and three year plan with action steps to integrate the social mission into the life of the parish, taking into account obstacles and opportunities.
  • Catechist training
    This workshop provides the principles of Catholic social teaching, the Church’s social mission, and integrating social justice into your curriculum.
  • Issue-based presentations and workshops
    There are many social issues of concern to the Catholic church and if there is a particular social issue you would like to explore please contact us. We have conducted workshops and recommended expert presenters on the following topics: environmental issues, immigration, death penalty, abortion, healthcare, affordable housing, legislative advocacy, peace, urban sprawl, fair trade, and more.
  • Catholic Relief Services and Global Solidarity
    Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the U.S. Catholic Church. Our staff has had extensive experience with CRS and can offer presentations on global solidarity and any of the programs offered by CRS such as Operation Rice Bowl, Fair Trade, advocacy on international issues and Food Fast.
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